Orienteering in the Wood
Added on 17 October 2013
Inaugural orienteering event in Evanton Wood goes ahead despite act of vandalism
As part of the ongoing developments in community-owned Evanton Wood, a new orienteering trail was recently put in place with the help of INVOC (Inverness Orienteering Club). The aim is to provide both locals, visitors and school groups the opportunity to have a go at orienteering whilst offering a chance to discover some of the hidden gems within the woodland. A trail map has been produced, marker posts put in place – along with several young, local volunteers - and an October holiday school event organised in conjunction with Highlife Highland.
Unfortunately things did not quite go according to plan. On the day of the event, with seventeen keen young people ready to brave the wind and rain, it was discovered that all but four of the eleven marker posts had been uprooted and removed. This was a real shock to both the young people and those who organised the event and to the Evanton Wood staff and volunteers who had spent time energy getting the course set up. Fortunately the quick-thinking organisers were able to make alternative signage arrangements to allow the event to go ahead successfully. The police have been informed of the act of vandalism.
Simon Harry, Evanton Wood Education Officer said “It’s a real shame that someone feels that a small development like this that stands to benefit many in the community should not be in the community wood. We are planning to offer this activity to all who visit the wood especially school groups who could use the trail to support their health and well-being agenda by getting kids more active. It was great that the event still went ahead with the quick thinking of the leaders so as not to disappoint all the young people who came along to take part.”
For more information on the activities on offer in Evanton Wood please contact Simon Harry on 077947772066 or email simon.harry@forest-education.co.uk
NB Forthcoming Events in the wood:
Sat 26 Oct – Volunteer Tree Planting (10-1)
Sun 27 Oct – Inverness Orienteering Club
Mon 1 Nov – Woodland Elf Party (6-8pm)